Keilyn's 1st Birthday, part 2: The London Aquarium

Wednesday 30th April

A typical early start in the Morrissey household, saw us up and giving Keilyn her presents, just before Alysha arrived at 08:00. Then it was a last-minute check, that everything was packed, before we set off for our trip to London.

Due to the strike by the RMT Union, much of the London Underground was closed or running at just over 50%, so we headed to Watford High Street station, to catch the 10:04 London Overground train to Euston. The train remained fairly empty until we got closer to our destination, when it began to fill up. We arrived at a rammed Euston station and, after Emma had taken Erin to the toilet and Alysha had bought a burger, we headed out into the warm morning sun.

We crossed Euston Road and headed down the A4200, passing Tavistock Square and Russell Square, until we reached Aldwych. From here we headed down Arundel Street, which brought us to the Victoria Embankment. Turning west, we followed the River Thames until we reached the Hungerford Bridge, where we used a lift up to the Golden Jubilee Bridge and crossed the river.





The Southbank was crammed with tourists and hundreds of school children, all dressed in high visibility vests, that were obviously on a school trip to the London Eye, or some other such attraction. We found some shade in the Jubilee Gardens, where we could rest and eat some lunch and feed Keilyn. Alysha disappeared off to get a chicken burger and chips, while Emma had a pulled pork burrito and I had a grilled steak burrito. When everyone was suitably fed and watered we then headed in to Sea Life London Aquarium.

Having booked our tickets online, we didn't have to queue, so we started our exploration without waiting.

The first thing that happened was that we had a couple of photographs taken, by a man in a lifeguard uniform. One of us all smiling and another of us all pointing at a pink starfish, painted on the wall. Informing us that these could be purchased at the exit, we followed the Shark Walk path which suddenly became a glass walkway, directly above the shark tank. We all thought that this was pretty cool, especially Erin who kept pointing down at some of the sharks and rays, that were literally a couple of inches below our feet.



The path then became 'solid' again and we were soon in a cave-like area, with various sized tanks filled with jellyfish, flatfish, octopus and many other exotic varieties. We then entered a lift, which took us down into the Atlantic Depths, where we got to see better views of the sharks (Blacktip Reef, Bowmouth, Zebra), rays (Blue Spotted, Blonde, Cow Nosed, Eagle), turtles and many species of smaller fish.







Then we were headed to the Ray Lagoon, which is a shallow glass tank that allows you to get up close and personal with these majestic creatures.



Then we were on to the Rock Pool exhibits, with crabs, urchins, starfish and the like, which led you on to the Ocean Tunnel, where we were completely surrounded by the rays, turtles and sharks.







The tunnel brought us out in to the Pacific Wreck and on into Nemo's Coral Caves. At this point Erin was in her element, as she knew the names of these fish; Nemo, Dory, Gill, etc.. All this time Keilyn had been watching transfixed from her buggy, having got tired of walking.



 



Next, we were in the Seahorse Temple, where there were many species of seahorses, seadragons and other strange and unusual creatures.







Then we met a Cuban Crocodile, in the Rainforests of the World, along with Red-Bellied Piranha, Neon Tetra, Terrapins, Red-Tailed Catfish, a Freshwater Stingray, Poison Arrow Frogs and many more.



 



 



 

 

 

The next location was the Antarctic and the Penguins: Ice Adventure, where Gentoo Penguins swam and played, while everyone watched.



The Shark Reef Encounter, where we had some of the best views of the sharks yet, was the end of our journey underwater. Alysha said that she could have sat there all day, watching the sharks and rays. I have to admit that I could quite happily have sat there all day, too.



Then Alysha discovered a Hurricane Booth, which she decided to take Erin in to. Well, Erin lasted until the wind speed hit 60kph (38mph), before she left the booth, while Alysha took the full 110kph (70mph). We then passed on into the shop where we got to look at the photographs, that we had had taken earlier. There were seven photographs (two 5x7, two 6x4 and three small ones to fit in a key ring and a magnet), all packaged in a spiral-bound booklet. It included a link to download the images from the website, too. This was ours for £25. And, for a further £5, we could have another six photographs (two 5x7 and four 6x4). We bought them all.





On leaving the Aquarium, we had a bit more to eat and drink, before heading back across the Golden Jubilee Bridge, onto Northumberland Avenue, Strand, Aldwych to Kingsway, while both girls slept.



With the sun still beating down, we stopped for more refreshments a t the Russell Square Cafe, where Erin and Keilyn had a good run around.



We then headed back to Euston and caught the 17:14 London Overground, back to Watford High Street. Unlike earlier in the day, this train was rammed and we had to stand all the way back.

Once we were home my mum popped in to see the birthday girl, and to have a chat, before her and Alysha headed off home for dinner. We then got the girls sorted and off to bed, which was easy as they were both exhausted from the trip.

All-in-all it was a great birthday day out, which was enjoyed by everyone.

SEA LIFE London Aquarium

Keilyn's 1st Birthday, part 1: The Party

Sunday 27th April.

Although Keilyn isn't officially one until Wednesday 30th, we decided to have her 1st birthday party early, so that more family and friends could attend. Keeping it a surprise from both Keilyn, who had no idea what was going on, and Erin, who had heard the word party a lot lately, was difficult, so, we waited until they were having their lunch, before putting up the party banners and balloons.

Keilyn sat transfixed as I blew the balloons up and Emma put up the banners, only getting startled when one of the balloons popped. Erin thought it was all good fun and, finishing her lunch, wanted to help. Emma had already cooked the party food, so that all we had to do was clear the dining table, cover it with a plastic Minnie Mouse tablecloth, put the food out and get the girls into their party outfits.

[caption id="attachment_1062" align="aligncenter" width="180"] Erin and Keilyn in their party outfits.[/caption]

At just before 2 o'clock family and friends began to arrive, beginning with Emma's family; mum, dad, brother Christopher and his girlfriend Ellie, sister Rachel with two of her kids, Freya and Noah. Then our friends Len and Emma arrived, followed shortly after by our daughter, Alysha, and my mum and granddad.

Once everyone was settled and we were all ready, we decided that it was time for Keilyn to open her presents. I sat on the floor with her and helped her to open the cards and unwrap the presents. Erin helped, too, and was more interested in some of the presents than Keilyn, who was more interested in the bubble wrap, wrapping paper, empty envelopes and the boxes.

[caption id="attachment_1063" align="aligncenter" width="180"] Erin takes Keilyn's new bubble-blowing lawnmower for a test drive.[/caption]

After a quick tidy-up, Keilyn and the rest of the kids disappeared to play in the garden, while we all started on the food. Then the kids had their chance to eat, before we brought out the cake. The cake had been made by Denise Cox, of Tapestry Cakes, and was in the shape of a number 'one', with light pink icing and a purple bow. The icing was then dotted with iced dots and hearts. Emma had added a sparkler and some candles which, when lit, produced specific coloured flames. With Keilyn in her high chair, looking bemused by all the attention and fuss, I brought out the cake and we all sang Happy Birthday, before a few of the kids got together to help Keilyn blow out the candles. I then took the cake back into the kitchen, where Emma cut a piece for everyone, and I distributed, with a little help from Erin.

[caption id="attachment_1064" align="aligncenter" width="300"] The cake, with its multi-coloured candles.[/caption]

With time getting on, family and friends started to make their departures, leaving Emma and myself with two very tired little girls. So, that we could tidy up in relative peace, we put Sofia the First on the TV, and did a quick clean up. It wasn't long before Erin went up to bed, followed closely by Keilyn.

[caption id="attachment_1065" align="aligncenter" width="180"] Keilyn lies exhausted in her beanbag chair, after her first birthday party.[/caption]

All in all it was a fantastic first birthday party and I cannot wait until Wednesday, when we head to London for Keilyn's actual birthday.

A Stroll and A Giant Conker

 

Sunday, April 13th.

With Emma having just finished two night shifts, on the bounce, I decided to take Erin and Keilyn out for the morning, so that Emma could catchup on some sleep, knowing that she had to work tonight, too.

So, with provisions packed for myself, Erin and Keilyn, we set off along the Ebury Way, this time in the direction of Watford, rather than our usual route towards Rickmansworth. The sun was in full radiance and, as we moved through the shade of the Ebury Way, the breeze dropped, making it a pleasant stroll. Keilyn was quietly cooing at the trees and clouds, from her seat in the battlewagon, while Erin explored the path ahead. There were quite a few cyclists, heading in the Rickmansworth direction, and the odd jogger or two, but otherwise it was a quiet trip.

[caption id="attachment_1041" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Some beautiful blossom that lined our route.[/caption]

We followed the Ebury Way, crossing Wiggenhall Road, until we reached the River Colne, at the bottom of Oxhey Park. Having forgotten how steep the climb is, to Oxhey Park, I pushed Keilyn up the steep incline, thankful that Erin was walking, as I don't think that I would have made it with her in the battlewagon, too. Erin barely seemed to notice the hill that she had to climb, as she was busy picking daisies, all the way up. When we reached the top of the mountain, I noticed a large sphere, over two-metres in height, with spikes protruding from it at odd angles. As we drew closer, I could see that it was actually a giant conker, fashioned from wood. Close to the Conker was a carved oak bench, shaped like a leaf, that Erin had to go and sit on.

[caption id="attachment_1042" align="aligncenter" width="300"] The two tonne wooden conker, designed by David Gross, at Oxhey Park.[/caption]

Oxhey Park is over fourteen hectares of parkland and wooded dell, that has been a public park since 1924. It turns out that the bench and conker were both designed by designer David Gross, and were commissioned to celebrate the rejuvenation of Oxhey Park. The bench is made of oak, but has a weighted base, while the conker took over three and a half months to complete and weighs over two tonnes.

[caption id="attachment_1043" align="aligncenter" width="180"] Erin sits on an oak bench, designed by David Gross, at Oxhey Park.[/caption]

The playground, at the top of Oxhey Park, is quite substantial, but was quite a disappointment. There are swings, a zip-line, a roundabout, a see-saw, rubber hills with planks to walk across, tunnels, a trampoline and a slide, amongst other things. Keilyn was in her element, as she just absolutely loves to pushed in a swing, while Erin will attempt everything, especially the slide. Unfortunately, the slide which is the same height as many other slides that she has been on, was impossible for her to use. She either had to climb to the top via a tough looking wall climb, or attempt three tiny steps which were attached to a pole, which was over a foot from the slide. There was no simple steps so I had to lift her up to the platform, while keeping an eye on Keilyn, who was walking around the base of the slide. After only two slides, Erin got fed up with not being able to climb the slide herself, so went off with Keilyn to jump on the trampoline. Then it was back on the swings, before Erin had one last look around. I could tell that Erin wasn't happy with the park as, when I suggested that we head off to eat lunch, she didn't kick up a fuss and run towards the nearest swing, slide or whatever, she just held the gate open and then followed the battlewagon.

[caption id="attachment_1047" align="aligncenter" width="300"] From the top of Oxhey Park, the view of Watford is quite cool.[/caption]

As we reached the giant conker, I convinced Erin to stand in front of it, so that I could take a photo of her with it. Keilyn was busy munching on a sandwich, so wasn't much interested in the weird, wooden thing that she couldn't eat.

[caption id="attachment_1045" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Bluebells lead our way to The Dell.[/caption]

We followed the path along as it dropped back down toward the River Colne, where we turned right and headed towards the park entrance at the Lower High Street. Sadly, the grassed area was in too much shade, so we headed back under the railway arches and found a bench by a bridge that links Oxhey Park with the rugby fields, on the opposite of the river.

[caption id="attachment_1046" align="aligncenter" width="300"] These arches, at the entrance to Oxhey Park, carry the London Overground trains.[/caption]

While Erin ate her sandwich, followed by a packet of cheesy twirls, I fed Keilyn spaghetti bolognese, followed with an apple and strawberry dessert. When both girls were suitably stuffed Erin took Keilyn for a wander across the bridge and back again.

[caption id="attachment_1048" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Ducks sleeping on the riverbank, taken by Erin.[/caption]

Erin spotted some ducks, sleeping on the riverbank, so I gave her my phone and she happily took some photos of them. I then walked Keilyn along the footpath, while Erin pushed the battlewagon, until we reached Wiggenhall Road, where Keilyn started to get stroppy. Realising that she hadn't had her morning nap, I strapped her into the battlewagon, and she promptly fell asleep. Erin, too, was showing some signs of fatigue, but refused to surrender.

[caption id="attachment_1052" align="aligncenter" width="180"] It looks as though nature is reclaiming this bridge, above the River Colne, on the Ebury Way.[/caption]

Instead she led the way along the Ebury Way, warning me of approaching cyclists, until, almost at the point that we turn off for home, she decided that she wanted to sit down. So, with both girls strapped in, I pushed them both the short distance home. In those two minutes Erin fell asleep and the two of them began snoring, in unison.

[caption id="attachment_1044" align="aligncenter" width="180"] A typical Sunday stroll usually takes its toll on the girls.[/caption]

Another nice relaxing Sunday stroll. Roll on next weekend, when it will be Easter, meaning more chances to go wandering.

Until next time, May It Be Well With You.

A Mother's Day Stroll

Sunday 30th March,

Having lost an hour of sleep, due to the clocks having gone forward, the girls woke up later than usual, but still in time to have breakfast before we needed to leave the house, for our stroll. With them suitably fed, dressed and with enough food and drinks for the day, off we set.

With Keilyn strapped into the new battlewagon, and Erin walking along with us, we took the Ebury Way and headed towards Rickmansworth. It wasn't long before Keilyn was asleep, while Erin picked up leaves and sticks.

Normally we drop down on to the tow-path of the Grand Union Canal, at Lock 80, and follow that towards Rickmansworth, but, this time, we decided to carry on along the Ebury Way. As we passed by the various fishing lakes, where trees are being felled and banks cleared, we spotted some small rabbits, nestled near their burrows, just above the waterline of the river.

[caption id="attachment_1010" align="aligncenter" width="180"] Emma holds the girls as we prepare to clear moorings.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1011" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Me with Erin and Keilyn, aboard the Pride of Batchworth.[/caption]

Finally, we arrived at the Rickmansworth Canal Centre, where we stopped at Cafe @ Lock 81 for a drink and a quick bite to eat, before we boarded the Pride of Batchworth narrowboat, for a short trip. Since we were the only passengers, we sat at the front of the boat and enjoyed the ride. We spotted Coots, Moorhens, Canada Geese, Mallards and Swans, as the boat took us towards Stockers Lock, where a three-point turn was made, before heading back to Batchworth Lock.

[caption id="attachment_1007" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Narrowboats along the Grand Union Canal.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1009" align="aligncenter" width="300"] On our way back to Batchworth Lock, we followed the goose.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1008" align="aligncenter" width="300"] One of the pedestrian bridges, near Rickmansworth Aquadrome.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1014" align="aligncenter" width="300"] A small boat rests on the bottom of the Grand Union Canal.[/caption]

After thanking our 'Captain' we headed on to Rickmansworth High  Street, before heading to the back of the council offices, where there were benches that we could sit at to eat and feed Keilyn. Beside us there was a spiral staircase, which had left an interesting effect on the pavement, so I took a photo, while Keilyn finished her lunch.

[caption id="attachment_1013" align="aligncenter" width="300"] An interesting effect, left by the rain falling from the steps above.[/caption]

With lunch finished, and time ticking by, we headed back to the Ebury Way and headed towards home. With Erin beginning to flag a little, she hopped back in to the battlewagon, at which point Keilyn decided it was time to stretch her legs. So, out she came. After I had carried her for a short while I put her on my shoulders, until she clamoured to get down.

[caption id="attachment_1012" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Keilyn sits on my shoulders, on the Ebury Way.[/caption]

So, I put her down and she walked, while holding my hand. Then Erin wanted to join in, so Erin and I held Keilyn's hands and the three of us walked a little way. Keilyn then decided that she could do it herself, so we let her hands go, and she took her first solo steps along the Ebury Way.

[caption id="attachment_1016" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Erin and I help Keilyn take her first steps along the Ebury Way.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1017" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Keilyn takes her first solo walk along the Ebury Way.[/caption]

Eventually Keilyn fell asleep, just as we met my mum at the King George V playing fields. My mum had been for a walk, earlier in the day with a walking group. They had walked up Baldwins Lane, along Little Green Lane and down through the fields and woods onto Rousebarn Lane, before heading back to their start point. Now mum was pushing her dad around the King George V playing fields. Erin gave my mum and granddad some daffodils, that she had picked from around the edges of the playing fields, before trying to get to grips with the exercising machines that are dotted around the fields, while mum, granddad, Emma and I had a quick catch-up. After saying our 'goodbyes', we headed home so that we could sort the girls out, as their little body clocks were still on GMT rather than BST.

My mum arrived, not long after the girls had finished their tea, so that we were finally able to give our Mother's Day present and Erin and Keilyn could give their 'Nannie's Day' present, to her. We chatted for a bit, before Emma disappeared upstairs, to get herself ready for work. How Emma manges to do a twelve-hour night-shift, after a day of walking a good five or six miles, is beyond me. But she does.

With the girls in bed, and Emma at work, it wasn't long before tiredness set in. Mum headed off home and I busied myself with tidying up the toys and settling down for an early night.

All-in-all it was yet another great day out, and in, with my family.

 

Watford General Hospital: A Brief History, part 1

Watford District Cottage Hospital

Address: 45-47 Vicarage Road, Watford, Herts, WD18 0DE

Medical Dates: 1886-1925

Built in 1885, the Watford District Cottage Hospital is believed to have been Watford's first hospital and was designed by local architect, Charles Ayres. It was officially opened by Lady Clarendon, in 1886.

The construction of this one-storey building was financed by public subscription and cost £1,700.

In 1897, to mark the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria, a new six-bed ward and operating theatre were added, increasing the capacity of the hospital. Then, in 1902-03, two more six-bed wards were added, plus dining rooms and staff accommodation.

By the end of 1916, the hospital contained 80 beds, 6 cots and was fitted with x-ray equipment. However, the building was soon running at capacity and, in 1917, it was decided that Watford required a new hospital.

In 1925 the Watford District Hospital, (Cottage had been dropped from its name some years before), closed as a new hospital for the district had opened on Rickmansworth Road.

[caption id="attachment_1002" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Watford District Cottage Hospital, which is now known as Victoria House.[/caption]

The building, now called Victoria House, is still in remarkably good condition and is home to offices and a private company called My Ultra Baby, where you can get a 2D, 3D or 4D scan of your baby and attend antenatal classes. On the exterior of the building there are two sandstone tablets containing the busts of Queen Victoria and King Edward VII. Although they are badly eroded you can still make out the images quite easily.